Nice + Cheap Holsters (to keep you precious safe!)

[762mm]

Hey there guys,

I was on the lookout for a holster to keep my newly acquired antique (French 1892) away from potential scratches/humidity/etc and, after lots of searching, I ended up finding one on eBay.

They're described as new French military surplus and, although not actually being the proper holster for the gun (made for the MAB), I think they will do just fine, as the dimensions seem ok.

But, at under $10/piece total, you can't go wrong... I ordered 3 (for my other handguns/future acquisitions) and it cost me $26 USD total. Not bad, and they have something like 400+ more available!

Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120306038434&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:CA:1123


P.S. Before anyone asks, no, I do not intend to walk around town with an antique holstered on my belt - we'll save that for those who have such freedoms south of the border and who don't get constantly d*cked around by Lieberal scumbag-friendly governments. After all, only criminals have rights & freedoms up here in Kanada.

BUT, the holster makes a handy accessory to have, especially if you transport your gun anywhere (range, show or whatever) - or if you're somewhere in the remote wilderness and need your antique six-shooter strapped to your backpack!

 

[BCRider]

Thanks for the link. I was looking for a basic holster to carry my pistols around the range between shooting stages. Not for IPSC style draw and shoot. Just pull the pistol make ready and hold at a low ready for the signal. These would be ideal.

I'm not sure long term storage in a leather holster is a great idea. Seems like there are so many variables on how the leather was tanned, any oils or waxes used on the leather (shouldn't be a problem in this case given they are new) and generally leather's ability to hold moisture. Hopefully someone with more background on this will chime in to confirm or debunk these concerns.

 

[dingus]

Thanks for the link. I was looking for a basic holster to carry my pistols around the range between shooting stages. Not for IPSC style draw and shoot. Just pull the pistol make ready and hold at a low ready for the signal. These would be ideal.

I'm not sure long term storage in a leather holster is a great idea. Seems like there are so many variables on how the leather was tanned, any oils or waxes used on the leather (shouldn't be a problem in this case given they are new) and generally leather's ability to hold moisture. Hopefully someone with more background on this will chime in to confirm or debunk these concerns.

I had one holster stored a gun in the pistol safe in and after a few Months it got mold all over it ! White mold so i took out the gun it was fine lucky for me.
But i do store some guns in holsters i know are OK.
Most are in them little browning zipper soft fur lined gun cases tho.

Its a good point to bring up tho!

 

[BCRider]

GOOD GRIEF! MOLD ! ? ! ?

I know that leather is sort of hygroscopic so that may explain the mold but it also points to your safe having a higher than desireable humidity level. You may want to review that! If it's borderline keeping the toys well oiled will avoid any issues but if you can remove the issue alltogether that would be nicer.

 

[762mm]

Hmm... yes, it is a good point indeed. I was wondering about the humidity factor, but figured that if the gun is well oiled and you throw a few silica gel packets in the holster, it would be ok for storage.

Anyway, my guns are always well oiled... often times too much!

 

[dingus]

GOOD GRIEF! MOLD ! ? ! ?

I know that leather is sort of hygroscopic so that may explain the mold but it also points to your safe having a higher than desireable humidity level. You may want to review that! If it's borderline keeping the toys well oiled will avoid any issues but if you can remove the issue alltogether that would be nicer.

My safe is fine the other Leather holstered guns were fine to no mold on them.
Once in awhile ya get a Holster that has spors in it i guess.
Thats why ya need to be carefull with antique guns and holsters.
It was a very expensive bianchi to.

 

[Unsub]

I think a nice 6 gun especially needs a good holster. Probably my knife background with every knife needing a sheath.

I know knives are supposed to be stored with rather than in their sheaths although I usually leave my beloved .44 in it's holster because I am worried about dings from the safe more than mold or moisture.

Nice leather really makes a gun a standout. I don't really like the real showy hollywood gunfighter rigs but a well made cartridge belt and holster with a fine gun in it is really something special especially if it is well worn.

I actually need a better one for my .44. If anyone has an old Sam Brown repro or otherwise shoot me a PM?

 

[crazy_davey]

Wow! That is one fugly holster

A good firearm deserves good leather. Of course that is just MO

 

[762mm]

Wow! That is one fugly holster

A good firearm deserves good leather. Of course that is just MO

I agree it ain't the prettiest, but dimensionally it should be very practical for an average-sized handgun. Keeps the dings off the freakin thing during transport - and I already put a few scratches on my non-antique "pistoles" while transporting them to the range.

Just as a goof, what did you expect for $10 anyway? If you can find better, feel more than free to post it here (I'll probably buy a couple of those too!).

 

[Unsub]

The holsters are from French from 1954 to v1962 ,exactly the same as the Algerian war.
They were for the Mac 50 pistol which I know nothing about. Horrible "butterscotch" color but it is so ugly I almost like it and because it is a nice light color it should dye easily.
It seems that the Canadian and US service holsters of the era were not leather so this might be an all right choice. I would like to hear from someone about what the quality of the leather is like as there is quite a range.

 

[OneBarfly]

I have a worn one that I picked up at a yard sale for $10.00. The holster opens up like a Browning-type military holster. The leather is OK. Worth the money if you have a use for it.

 

[Bobby Ironsights]

I bought ten. Will keep the pistols from rattling around in the briefcase.

 

[762mm]

Just for info... the holsters came in pretty fast, I was actually quite surprised about how fast they got shipped & arrived here... and they actually dropped in price some more right now, lol! They are indeed new and not worn and they fit my 1892 revolver just perfectly (with no slack to spare, actually). The leather is nice and thick... and looks like it will easily outlast the owner, given a minimum of care.

I am sure it would fit most automatics out there (fits my Glock 17 quite well) and most types of of 4-5" barrel revolvers. At this price, you can also feel quite safe to experiment on them (ie cut, restich & modify at will).

Come to think of it, I might order a few more. They seem very decent quality for the price (kind of over-engineered actually, but seem sturdy as hell!).



Here are some actual pics:

Note: The leather color is a lot more like the first & second pic... the color in last pic (with holster closed) is wrong due to poor lighting. Btw, that green stuff around the metal snaps is some sort of a rust inhibitor... it's tacky like wax to the touch and smells funny, but it's not oxydation - I just haven't wiped it off yet, that's all.

P.S. The naysayers are free to order other similar holsters out there at $40-60+/piece, I'll stick with these for the time being. God, I just LOVE Texas!


Edit: Just ordered 5 more... came out to $49 CDN with the exchange rate. Can't beat the price...

 

[fiscus]

Can you post up some pics?